Reports: Gretzky To St. Louis

The Kings Continue To Deny The Ongoing Rumors That Wayne Gretzky Is Close To Being Traded.

February 26, 1996|By Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — In what has become almost a daily ritual, the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday denied reports in Canada and in the United States that they had agreed to trade Wayne Gretzky to the St. Louis Blues for forwards Roman Vopat, Craig Johnson and Patrice Tardif and a 1997 first-round draft pick.

ESPN and its Canadian counterpart, TSN, said the ''hockey end'' of the deal was set but it hinged on the resolution of financial details, including the Blues' desire to own Gretzky's lucrative marketing rights.

That income could help the Blues recoup an investment they hinted might reach $21 million over three seasons.

However, one ''detail'' is a potential deal-breaker - the Kings have not given Gretzky's agent, Mike Barnett, permission to negotiate with other clubs.

''There's absolutely no deal confirmed with regard to any of our players with any team in the NHL as we speak, and there's no deal imminent,'' King General Manager Sam McMaster said.